They were all at least nineteen years old.
Meanwhile, Byakuya, Eto, Arima, and Minami were all just eighteen...
"We're all eighteen, actually…"
Byakuya replied with a soft smile.
"No way?! You're seriously just eighteen?!"
One of the girls in the club was completely stunned.
The other members of the Ghoul Studies Society were equally shocked.
While it was normal for first-year university students to be around eighteen, having these four in that age group was just insane.
Basically four of the highest-ranking and most powerful figures in all of Tokyo — were just eighteen years old?
It was hard to wrap their heads around.
"Yeah. I know both Arima and I have white hair, but that's because we're half-humans. Before being exposed to dragon toxin, our lifespans were much shorter."
Byakuya explained casually, "Though, technically, Arima's probably turning nineteen soon."
"So it is true… That's seriously insane!"
Byakuya could clearly feel the overwhelming admiration in their gazes now.
He gave an awkward little smile in return.
After that, the four of them took a few moments to explore and get comfortable in the clubroom.
Once they'd spent some time in the Ghoul Studies Society, the group decided to check out their second choice — the Literature Club.
But as they approached the clubroom, they could already see through the window that the room was packed. It was clear the Literature Club was one of the most popular clubs on campus.
However...
The problem with popularity was obvious: the more people there were, the louder and more chaotic it got. Hardly anyone was actually reading—most were chatting, scrolling on their phones, or playing games on laptops.
Seeing that, Eto frowned slightly and said,
"Maybe we should just stick with the Ghoul Studies Society. I don't think this place suits me."
It wasn't that she had a problem with people goofing off. It just wasn't the kind of atmosphere she needed to focus and write.
"I agree. No real reason to join this one."
Byakuya replied honestly, understanding exactly why she wasn't into it.
It wasn't just Eto — he himself wasn't a fan of large, noisy clubs either.
"Too many people kind of kills the vibe."
Minami added with a nod.
"Feels like the Ghoul Studies is more than enough. Maybe the TSC Enthusiasts Club too, but that's optional."
Arima agreed calmly.
And with that, the four of them decided to pass on the Literature Club entirely.
That said, while classes and clubs were important, their real priorities still revolved around TSC operations.
The university was well aware of their unique status, so they were given a lot of flexibility.
They'd only participate in club activities when things were calm—like now.
"Sorry to trouble you again, Vice President Suzuki… would you mind letting us study your kagune today?"
Back at the Ghoul Studies Society's room, the day's activity was underway.
When it came to researching kagune, kakuhou, or even quinques, well — test subjects had to come from within.
Out of the six original members, five were ghouls. Only Mo Mo, the president, was human...
And the fact that Mo wasn't scared to be in a club full of ghouls? That took guts.
Today, it was Vice President Aoba Suzuki's turn to be the subject of study.
"Alright…" Aoba's cheeks flushed slightly.
Apparently, having her kagune examined was still a bit embarrassing.
A pink tail-shaped rinkaku kagune emerged from her lower back, gently swaying as she allowed the others to begin their research.
Mo was the first to approach, bravely reaching out to touch the kagune with his bare hand.
Most people wouldn't dare try something like that. Unless a ghoul fully trusted you, a single flick of a tail could kill a human instantly.
Aoba's face turned even redder. After all, having someone touch your kagune... in a way, it was like letting someone stroke your tail. A pretty sensitive gesture, emotionally and physically.
Still, she didn't pull away.She didn't seem to mind Mo doing it.
Byakuya, Eto, Arima, and Minami watched from the side — quiet, respectful observers.
To be honest, this kind of "research" felt childish to them. If someone like Dr. Kanou were in charge, the methods would be much more clinical and precise.
But these were students.They were doing the best they could with what they had—and that was fine.
After a few minutes, Mo withdrew his hand and said, "Vice President Suzuki seems a bit overwhelmed. That's probably enough for today."
"Then how about mine?" Eto asked, her voice light and a bit playful.
"If you're willing, we'd be honored" Mo nodded eagerly.
The others looked on with anticipation. They'd seen the One-Eyed Owl's monstrous kakuja in media footage, but none of them had ever seen her base kagune up close.
To witness the kagune of a legendary SSS-rated ghoul in person…That was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Without hesitation, Eto released her kagune.
Dozens of appendages erupted from all over her body—some spiny, some smooth, some pulsing with RC energy. The sheer mass and complexity of it was overwhelming.
They weren't just many. They were weird.
Some looked like rinkaku, others like ukaku, and a few even seemed like bikaku or koukaku —almost as if she could generate all four types simultaneously.
In truth, the form of a kagune could be influenced by the user's imagination. But very few ghouls had enough control and creativity to shape them freely.
Eto, however, had one of the most vivid imaginations in existence. Her kagune was practically artwork—chaotic, surreal, and completely unique.
Even more astonishing? Some of her kagune had mouths.
And those mouths could talk.
"Yayayayo~!"
"Hellooo there~!"
"Nice to meetcha~!""—"
Yes, her kagune actually spoke. The strange, almost cartoonish voices echoed across the room.
To call Eto's kagune unique would be an understatement.
She was on a completely different level.No other ghoul could manipulate their kagune like this.
And that was just the beginning.